Method of mounting a flat rim sink on a table top



July 5, 1949. s z 2,475,112

METHOD OF MOUNTING FLAT RIM SINKS ON TABLE TOPS FiledFeb. 1, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet l 3 nventot I 8 49 5 Jawquesflianil'z July 5, 1949.

J. STANITZ Filed Feb. 1, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 15 9 10 I0 2 4 15 12 7a {2a 4 13 10a/ 0 7 ,7 ab 3 i fiat d- 17 6w J] 6 1a Srmentor BB Jacguesflianfiz Patented July 5, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD OF MOUNTING A FLAT RIlVI SINK ON A TABLE TOP Application February 1, 1945, Serial No. 575,646

6 Claims. 1

The invention relates to the mounting of a sink with relation to a preferably flat work surface; and more particularly to a method of attaching a fiat rim sink bowl to a flat, covered, work surface, table, counter, platform and the like, and to a mounting construction which supports the sink bowl, provides a water-tight joint between the sink bowl and table top, and provides a trim for the table top facing material at the opening therein beneath which the sink rim is supported.

Present day kitchens are equipped with a sink bowl, supported in relation to a table top to provide a continuous work surface surrounding the sink and extending from each side thereof.

Usually such a sink has a fiat rim and a vitreous enamel coating with one or two bowls; and the table top is formed of some suitable relatively rigid base material having a top covering of a softer material, such as sheet linoleum, rubber, plastic, laminate and the like.

Considerable difficulty has been experienced in satisfactorily supporting a sink bowl in relation to a table top at the sink opening provided in the table top; in providing a water-tight and leak-proof joint between the sink bowl and table top and between the table top laminations at the sink opening therein; and in providing a satisfactory trim construction ior the sink opening in the table top.

There are numerous prior art constructions in which a sink bowl is supported in relation to a table top by clamps, bolts or similar means at spaced intervals around the sink rim, and in which various kinds of gaskets and the like are used. However, these constructions require many parts and considerable hand work in assembling, erecting and installing the sink bowl and table top. Moreover, because the joint between the sink bowl and table top is bolted or clamped only at spaced intervals, the resulting joint is not effectively water-tight and is not uniformly and continuously leak-proof.

Likewise, there are numerous prior art constructions of trim means for the sink opening in a table top which are intended to secure the edges of the table top laminations and form a smooth, sanitar and satisfactory joint. Frequently, however, the table top covering material,

such as linoleum, warps and curls upward at the edge around the sink opening and it is difiicult if not impossible to avoid or correct this defect.

Some of these prior art constructions include a nosing-like trim member, and connecting and mounting means for the nosing; and these con- 2 structions require grooving, beveling or routing of the linoleum in order to make a flush joint between the nosing trim member and the linoleum. Thus, many parts are used for such trim constructions; and considerable hand work is required in their installation.

In other words, prior art sink bowl mounting and trim constructions involve many parts and considerable hand work and are consequently very expensive. Moreover, they do not provide a completely satisfactory trim for the sink opening in the table top.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a sink mounting and trim construction for attaching a sink bowl to a table top in which the sink bowl is rigidly supported with a water-tight joint and with a satisfactory sink opening trim in a uniform and continuous manner entirely around the sink rim.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to eliminate multiple parts in supporting and trimming a sink bowl with respect to a table top.

Also, it is an object of the present invention to eliminate hand work and numerous and expensive prior art operations and difficulties in assembling and installing a sink bowl with a fiat, covered, table top.

Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to eliminate spaced clamps, bolts or the like in mounting a flat rim sink with respect to a table top.

Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide a complete and uniform water-proof joint construction between a table top and a sink bowl suspended therefrom.

Likewise, it is an object of the present invention to provide a construction for uniformly and rigidly suspending a vitreous enameled sink bowl from a composite or laminated table top preferabl formed of sheet metal with a covering of softer material.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a uniform, satisfactory and effective trim for a sink bowl opening in a laminated table top from which a vitreous enameled sink is suspended.

Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sink mounting and trim construction incorporating the foregoing desiderata which may be fabricated at a factory by production methods to eliminate installation difiiculties and reduce costs.

Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of attaching a fiat rim 3 sink to a flat, covered table top which avoids prior art difficulties, satisfactorily solves problems existing in the art, and incorporates the foregoing advantages in a simple, effective and inexpensive manner.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a. new sink mounting and trim construction for a fiat covered, tabletop and a fiat rim sink supported thereby, which avoids prior art difficulties. satisfactorily solves problems:

ments of whichi1lustrative. of the best modes.

in which the applicanthas.contemplated. applying the principlesare set forth in the following description'and shownin the drawings, and which are particularly. and"distinctlypointedout and set forth in the appended claims forming part hereof.

The nature of the improvements in a method of mounting a flat rim sink on a table top may be stated in general terms as preferablyv includ-- ing forming a. fiat rim vitreous enameled sink bowl, forming a laminated table top with a base and a softer covering such as linoleum, cutting a sink. opening in the table-top, forming an end-- less binding strip. of. generally Z-shaped crosssection to have the shape andsize of the sinkopening cut in the table top, inserting one bind-- ing strip Z-leg in the sink opening and clinching said leg upon thetable top-tocontinuously trim the edgeof the sink: opening and embed said Z-leg in the linoleum and form a flush and uniformly tight joint aroundv the tabletop-sink opening edge, telescoping the-sink rim-withinthe other binding strip Z-leg; applying water-proofing cement between the sink rim andbinding strip,- and bending and pressing the lastnamed Z-leg to uniformly lock thesink-bowlinplaceand form a-um'form and continuous water-proof joint entirely around the sink rim supporting the sink from the table top.

The nature of the improvements in sink mounting and trim construction may'bestated in general terms as preferably including in combination with a sink having a fiat rim, a-table topprefer ably formed of composite material such as a metal or wood base and-atopcovering of sheet linoleum, rubber, plastic or othersofter material, there being a sink opening formed in the'table top, an endless metal binding strip generally Z-shaped-in cross-section having one Z-legor flange turnedover, embedded and locked to the table top continuously around the sink opening therein and having the other Z-leg or-fiange turned over-and locked to the sink rim entirely'around the periphery thereof, and water-proof cement and the like at the joint between the=sink rim and'binding strip.

By way of example, preferred-steps of carrying out the improvedmethod and preferred embodiments of the-improvedconstruction are illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming part hereof, wherein:

Figure 1: is a perspective view of a table top having a sink bowl attached thereto utilizing the improved. mounting and trim construction;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary section taken as on the line 2-2, Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective View with parts broken away and in section of an endless binding strip, used in the improved sink mounting and trim construction illustrated in- Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrat- -ing somewhat diagrammatically the cutting of a sink, opening in a composite table top in accordancewith the invention;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating the binding strip of Fig. 3 telescoped in a sink opening out in a table top Fig; 6 illustrates somewhat diagrammatically a press operation for locking the binding strip to the table top;

Fig. 7 illustrates somewhat diagrammatically a press operation for locking the binding strip to the sink rim;

Fig. 8 is a view. similar to Fig. 2 showing a'modL fied formof construction; and

Fi 9 is a View similar to Figs. 2 and 8, illustrating a further modified form of construction;

Similar numerals throughout the variousfiguresof the drawings.

The improved sink bowl and table top mounting and trim construction is illustrated generally in Fig. l and includes-a sink bowl. I- and a table- The tabletop 2 istop generally indicated at 2. preferably of laminated or composite construction. and includes a sheet metal, preferably sheet steel-base 3, having sufficient strength and rigidity to remain flat and to-support the loads to which sink tops, kitchen tables, counters and the like are usually subjected; The table top 2- hasan upper covering, surfacing, ply or lamination of a softer material, preferably linoleum 4.

The-sink bowl I has any desired shape-or configuration and maybe either a single bowl or a double bowl sink, a single bowl sink being shown in-the drawings. The sink bowl Ihas usual side walls 5 which terminate in a flat rim 6; and the sink bowl I may be either a cast metal or a sheetsteel sink covered with vitreous enamel, or may be formed of stainless steel, Monel metal or the like, or may be formed of china or earthenware.-

The improved mounting and trim construction is best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and includes a metal binding-strip generally indicated at 1 having a generallyZ-shape in cross-section with its central web-8 engaging the undersideof' the sheet metal base 3 of the table top 2 adjacent the edge of the sink opening 9 formed in the top 2. One Z-leg or flange; ID of the binding strip 'lextends upward along the edge of the opening 9. and initially has a portion indicated) by dot-dash lines H in Fig. 2 which projects beyond the. table top 2. In forming the improved. joint, the portion II is formed,- pressed, turned; bent, or laid over at I2,,and,embedded under. pressure intoithe linoleum facing 4 as indicated at The other Z-leg or flange I4. of the binding strip 1 extends downward from the outer end of the web. and has a portion indicated in dot-- dash lines at IB in-Fig. 2 which initially projects below the sink rim-6. The portion I5 is pressed, formed; turned, shaped, bent or laid over inward" as at I6 entirely around the outer edge of the flat rim 6 of'the sink bowl I. Water-proofing cement indicated-at l1 surrounds the Outer edge of the sink rim 6 betweenthe sink and portions refer to. similar parts:

8 and I6 of the binding strip I to provide a waterproof joint.

Similarly, water-proofing material or cement may be interposed between the binding strip I and the edges of the top 2, if desired, before the binding strip portion I2 is pressed or clinched into final position. The binding strip I may be made of any desired strip metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, having suflicient strength to maintain the final shape to which it is formed under pressure to suspend the sink bowl I from the table top 2 and to bind the edge of the sink opening 9 formed in the table top 2.

In fabricating the improved construction, the sink bowl I is manufactured in the usual manner. A table top I, such as illustrated in Fig. of the desired length and width is fabricated by providing a base panel of sheet metal 3 of the desired size and by cementing or otherwise securing a linoleum panel sheet 4 to the sheet metal base 3. The fabrication of the top panel 2 in the described manner enables production methods to be used and a uniformly efiicient or adherent bond to be obtained between the laminations 3 and 4. Depending upon the specific materials used for the laminations 3' and 4, and upon the character of cement used to provide the desired adherence or bond therebetween, heat, pressure. or both, may be used in bonding or cementing the laminations together.

The sink opening 9 is then blanked out of the laminated table top 2 by a cutting or shearing operation as illustrated in Fig. 4. In carrying out this operation, the laminated table top 2 is placed on a bottom shear die l8 with the steel base 3 on the die I8 and the linoleum facing 4 at the top. The cutting shear I9 is then pressed downward to simultaneously shear the entire opening 9 in both the steel sheet 3 and linoleum cover 4.

By fabricating the sink opening 9 in the laminated table top 2 in accordance with the present invention in this manner, production operations can be utilized, the sizes of the openings in the sheet metal base 3 and the softer linoleum covering 4 are exactly the same, the openings are exactly aligned, and the cemented joint between the laminations 3 and 4 is not disturbed at and adjacent the opening 9.

In accordance with the present invention, the metal binding strip 1 is fabricated from the desired sheet or strip metal to have a generally .Z-shaped cross-section best shown in Figs. 3 and --5, including the web portion 8, the upstanding Z-leg or flange III-II and the downturned Z-leg -or flange I4--I5. The binding strip 1 is further formed to endless shape as illustrated in Fig. 3 by brazing or weldin or otherwise securing the free ends of the formed strip together as indicated at 20. The endless binding strip I is shaped .so that the outer surface of the upstanding flange IIl--II has the exact shape and size of the opening 9 blanked out of the table top 2.

The upstanding flange III of the endless binding strip I is then telescoped into the opening 9 formed in the table top 2, as illustrated in Fig. 5, with the web 8 contacting the underside of the .sheet metal base 3 around the opening 9 and with the portion II projecting beyond the table top 2.

Again, the manufacture of the endless binding strip I as illustrated in Figs. 3 and may be carried out by using simple production operations.

The parts, assembled as illustrated in Fig. 5, are then taken to a press having a die shoe 2I :upon which the lower die 22 is mounted and having a punch 23 with a relatively movable upper die 24. The initial position of upstanding flange portion II of the binding strip I is illustrated in dot-dash lines in Fig. 6, prior to the pressing operation.

The downturned binding strip flange I5 is located and positioned by the lower die 22, as shown, and the upstanding flange including the portion II is located and positioned by the punch 23 as the punch is depressed. Subsequent downward movement of movable upper die 24 bends the upstanding flange portion I I over to the position indicated at I2, embeds the portion I2 under pressure into the linoleum 4, and clinches the linoleum facing 4 and metal base 3 of the table top 2 between the portions 8 and I2 of the binding strip. Such an operation again is a production operation and provides a substantially flush surface all around the opening 9, bounded by the binding or trim strip 1 without any routing or grooving of the linoleum. Moreover, a uniformly continuously tight joint is formed entirely around the sink opening 9. The die member 24, after being operated to set the flange I2, may then be operated to strip the work from punch 23.

The table top 2 with the binding strip I clinched thereto as illustrated in Fig. 6 is then turned upside down and taken to another press, illustrated in Fig. '7, including a lower die 25 and an upper die 26. The table top 2 is located and centered on the lower die 25 by a central die projection 21 which fits within the portion III of the binding strip 1. Initially, the downturned flange I4-I 5 projects upwardly as indicated in dot-dash lines in Fig. 7.

Caulking compound, or other water-proof putty, and the like, is smeared around the inside of binding strip flange I5 and web portion 8 as indicated at IT and the upper die 26 is depressed to form the flange portion I5 inward to the position shown at It, thus uniformly locking the sink bowl in place and providing a tightly sealed water-proof joint continuously around the entire periphery of the sink rim 6. Clearance between the die portions 26 and 21 and the sink rim 6, as illustrated in Fig. '7, prevents direct pressure on the porcelain enameled bowl.

The finished structure resulting from the operation illustrated in Fig. "I, is shown in Fig. 2. In this structure, the edges of the table top 2 and the sink rim 6 are squeeze-clamped all around by the endless binding strip I. The members are thus permanently joined and the binding strip 1 serves three functions, as follows:

First, the binding strip I accurately binds and trims the edge of the table top 2 entirely around the sink opening formed therein so that the linoleum facing 4 cannot curl, warp or become detached from the sheet metal base 3.

Second, the binding strip I provides a watertight, leak-proof joint entirely around the rim of the sink I between the sink and the table top 2.

Third, the binding strip I provides a support which suspends the sink bowl I from the table top 2.

A modified form of construction is illustrated in Fig. 8 which is manufactured in the same manner as the construction shown in Fig. 2. In this construction, the sink Ia. has a substantially flat rim 6a terminating in an upstanding well flange 6b. In forming the supporting joint, the binding strip Ia is modified by having a lower flange Me of greater length, extending along the upstanding sink flange Iib, and the initially extended portion 15a, indicated in-dot-dash dines, turned under as indicated vat 16a to engage under the sink rim 6a. Otherwise, :the construction illustrated .in 'Fig. 8 is identically the same-as that illustrated in Fig. 2.

In the modified construction illustrated ,in Fig. :9, the laminated table .top 211. is illustrated as being formed with a base of :plywood, lumber or other similar material 3a, and a linoleum facing 4. Thelocking strip :11) is :identical with the locking strip fl illustrated in Fig. v2,-excepting that the portion lila has-agreater depth than the portion Iii of the locking strip I. Otherwise, the construction is formed and:fabricated.in the same manner described :in .connection with Fig. 2.

Accordingly, although a steel .sheet 3 covered withiinoleum, rubber, plastic, laminateor other similar softer material is preferred, the method andrconstruction of the presentinvention can be usedinconnection with a plywood or lumber table top surfaced with any desired .upper facing material.

iIneach of the embodiments of the present invention, the construction is characterized by its simplicity, and the method is carriedout byutilizing .productionoperations in a'factory; thus eliminating hand work, multiple parts and ineffective water-proof joints which characterize prior art constructions and methods of assembly and installation.

Accordingly, the present improvements provide a continuous sink bowl support and trim with a water-tight joint for mounting a sink bowl on a-table'top in a simplified-and inexpensivemanner accomplishing all of the foregoing objects and avoiding'the described prior art difficulties.

In -the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary'limitations are-to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the-prior art, because such words are utilized for descriptive purposesherein and not for the purpose of limitation, andare intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the embodiments of the improved constructions illustrated and described are by way of example and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the exact details of construction of the various parts.

Thus, the sink is described as-being a flat rim sink and such term is intended to include not only'the flat rim sink of Figs. 2 and '9, but also the sink of Fig. 8, which has a generally flat rim that terminates in an upstanding flange to provide a well-type construction.

Likewise, the sink top, table top, platform, panel, Work table, or the like, to which the sink bowl is joined, is generically termed a table top, and such table top mayhave any desired construction and may-be made with a base having substantial rigidity and formed of metal, plywood, lumber, or the like, and covered with linoleum, rubber, plastic laminate, or other suitable relatively softer facing material. Accordingly, the use of any such terms includes all such terms.

Having now described the features of the invention, the manufacture and assembly of preferred embodiments vof the improved construction, the preferred steps of the improved method, and the advantageous, new and useful results attained thereby; the new and useful methods, steps, procedures, :devices, constructions, arrangements, combinations, sub-combinations, parts and--elements.' and. reasonablesmechanical equiv- 17.5

alents thereon-obvious :to those skilled in the art, are set forth in the appended claims.

I-claim:

1. In a nethod of mounting a flat rim sink on a table top, the steps of formin atable toppanel, cuttin a sink opening in said panel, forming an endlessbinding strip of generally Z-shaped crosssection with one Z-leg shaped and sized to fit Said opening, clinching said leg upon and em, bedding it in the table top continuously around the :edge -of the opening by a pressing operation to form a flush and uniformly continuous tight trim joint between the binding strip and table top, applying water-proofing cement to the other binding strip Z-leg, telescoping the sink rim with.- in said last named .Z-leg, and clinching said last named Z-"leg over the sink rim continuously therearound by a pressing operation to form a uniformly continuous water-proof joint entirely around :the sink rim supporting the sink from the tableztop.

;2. In a method of mounting a flat rim' sink on a tabletop, the steps of forming a table top panel, cutting -a sink opening in said panel; forming anendless binding strip having a Web, an upwardly, extending flange at the inner end of the Web, and a; downwardly extending flange at the outer endof-the web; shaping the upwardly extending flange to fit the shape of said opening, telescoping the panel opening over the upwardly extendingflange and abutting the panel against said web, clinching a portion of said flange upon and embedding it in the table top by a pressing operation continuously around the edge of the opening to form a flush uniformly continuous tight trim joint between the binding strip and table top, telescoping the sink rim within the downwardly extending flange, applying water-proofing cement between the sink-rim and binding strip, and clinching a portion of said downwardly extending flange upon the sink rim by a pressing operation continuously around the rim to formla uniformly continuous water-proof joint between the binding strip and sink rim entirely around thesink rim supporting the sink from the table op.

3.;In a method of mounting a fiat rim sinks on atable top,'the steps of forming a laminated table top having a base and a linoleum covering, cutting a sink opening in said laminated table top, forming-an endless binding strip having a web and a flange extendingfrom each end of the web, telescoping the table top opening over one flange and abutting the tabletop againstsaid web, bending said one flange by a pressing operation to embed'it in the table top linoleum and to clinch the table top between the flange and web continuously around said opening, telescoping the sink rim within the other binding strip flange, applying watereproofing cement between the sink rim and binding strip, and bending said other flange by apressing operation to clinch the sink rim between said other-flange and web to form a uniformly continuous water-proof joint entirely around the sink rim supporting thesink from the table top.

'4. iI n-a method of mounting a flat rim sinkon attable top, the steps of, formin a sheet'metal panel, formingasheetlinoleumpanel, cementing thelinoleum panel to the sheet metal panel to formza laminatedtable top, cutting a sink openingin said laminated table top,-forming an endless-binding strip having a web anda flange extending from each end of the wen-telescoping the. table topopeningover one .flangeand abutting the sheet metal thereof against said web, bending said one flange by a pressing operation to embed it in the table top linoleum and to clinch the table top between the flange and web continuously around said opening, telescoping the sink rim within the other binding strip flange, applying water-proofing cement between the sink rim and binding strip, and bending said other flange by a pressing operation to clinch the sink rim between said other flange and web to form a uniformly continuous water-proof joint entirely around the sink rim supporting the sink from the table top.

5. In a method of mounting a flat rim sink on a table top, the steps of forming a sheet metal panel, forming a sheet linoleum panel, cementing the linoleum panel to the sheet metal panel to form a laminated table top, simultaneously cutting a sink opening through said cemented linoleum and sheet metal table top panels, forming an endless bindin strip having a web and a flange extending from each end of the web, telescoping the table top opening over one flange and abutting the sheet metal thereof against said web, bending said one flange by a pressing operation to embed it in the table top linoleum and to clinch the table top between the flange and web continuously around said opening, telescoping the sink rim within the other binding strip flange, applying water-proofing cement between the sink rim and bindin strip, and bending said other flange by a pressing operation to clinch the sink rim between said other flange and web to form a uniformly continuous water-proof joint entirely around the sink rimsupporting the sink from the table top.

6. In a method of mounting a fiat rim sink on a table top, the steps of forming a laminated table top having a metal base and a covering of softer material, simultaneously cutting a sink opening through said metal base and softer covering, forming an endless binding strip of generally Z-shaped cross-section with one Z-leg shaped and sized to fit said opening, continuously pressure clamping said le upon and embedding it in the softer table top covering material entirely around the edge of the opening to form a flush and uniformly continuous tight trim joint between the binding strip and table top, applying water-proofing cement to the other binding strip Z-leg, telescoping the sink rim within said last named Z-leg, and continuously pressure clamping said last named Z-leg over the sink rim continuously therearound to form a uniformly continuous water-proof joint around the sink rim supportin the sink from the table top.

JACQUES STANITZ.

REFERENCES CITED The following referen ces are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,930,102 Liner Oct. 10, 1933 2,080,573 Madsen May 18, 1937 2,193,018 Batcheller Mar. 12, 1940 2,198,696 Drain Apr. 30, 1940 2,256,272 Batcheller Sept. 16, 1941 

